The BBC has "suspended" its annual coverage of the Crufts dog show, it was announced today.

The decision had been widely expected after the corporation aired an investigative documentary, Pedigree Dogs Exposed, on BBC One in August. The special programme alleged that dogs were bred - sometimes involving a deliberate mating of relatives - with inherent and painful health problems to meet the Kennel Club's breed standards. The Club, which organises Crufts, complained to Ofcom about the broadcast and said it would "review" the BBC's contract to broadcast the event.

George Entwistle, the controller of BBC Knowledge Commissioning, said: "We know that a lot of people will be disappointed that Crufts will not be on the BBC next year but we need to be confident the measures being taken now and planned for the future are effective in addressing the issues raised about the health of some pedigree dogs before we return to broadcasting the event."

The BBC said it would review the findings of an independent report being conducted by the Kennel Club and the Dogs Trust into the health and welfare of pedigree dogs before deciding whether or not to resume its coverage. The BBC's contract to broadcast the event expires in 2010.

Quite right too, the only option the BBC had imho. The blatent disregard for the health and wellbeing of the dogs, by both the owners and organisers of the event was absolutely shocking and they should be totally ashamed of themselves.

This aristocracy "sport" should be banned altogether imho, it is as bad as fox hunting. They seem to have no feeling, no compassion and no love for the animal's, it's all superficial.

Indeed, We own a st bernard (he is a rescue), i did have two, but sadly "teddy" My other st bernard dog died earlier this year of Epilepsy caused by incorrect line breeding. He also had spinal & brain problems, we never knew about these until 6 months after we got him, by which time there was no chance of us giving him back as he was part of the family ... & of course, who was to say if we gave him back they'd not just put him down. These days nobody needs to buy a bred pedigree puppy as there are so many unwanted dogs of all breeds in rescue centres & pounds, just look at the st Bernard world and the 98 left abandoned & in desperate need of homes . It's disgraceful to breed & Crufts is just a shallow shop window for breeders to make money...

i hate crufts with a vengeance. Hurrah that its not to be shown on Tv anymore.